Solidarity Appeal from the front line in Wisconsin

Wisconsin, USA is currently the front line in a battle between a barmy state governor representing the bosses and a proud trade union movement representing the working class. It is a battle that is being keenly watched by working class people across the globe, but also by representatives of the employer elsewhere. Pay, terms, conditions and, fundamentally, the right to collective bargaining and collective action to defend and improve these, are in the line of fire.

But workers are determined to fight back - so far, demonstrations of tens and hundreds of thousands and an occupation of the capitol building have rocked the state .

Below the attacks are explained by the South Central Federation of Labor, the trades council that has raised the idea of a state-wide general strike:

�Governor Scott Walker fired the first shot in a war he has declared against Wisconsin workers, February 11.  Without even attempting to negotiate new contracts with state employee unions, Walker has terminated the contract extensions they have been working under since July 2009 and unilaterally announced significant increases in employee contributions to their pensions and health insurance.  At the same time he has announced that he will impose those same concessions on city, village, town, county, tech school, and local school district employees.

Walker made these announcements under the guise of saving money in order to address the State�s budget deficit.  However, his proposals, which would not save much money in any case, go much further than just economic concessions.  In his own words in a letter to state employees, he announced a frontal assault on their unions:

�Contracts will be limited to one year and wages will be frozen until the new contract is settled.  Collective bargaining units will have to take annual votes to maintain certification as a union.  Employers will be prohibited from collecting union dues and members of collective bargaining units will not be required to pay dues.�

And while he was at it, he proposed repealing collective bargaining rights entirely for University employees, childcare workers, and home health care workers.

Guarded by four Capitol police officers, Walker said he was prepared to call out the National Guard if state workers engaged in job actions to protest his proposals.

Make no mistake; this is only the first volley.  He intends to come after private sector unions next.�

The National Shop Stewards Network stands foursquare behind workers across Wisconsin and calls on our supporters to send messages of solidarity and support from your trade union branch:

Wisconsin State AFL-CIO: [email protected]

South Central Federation of Labor: [email protected]